LBR iisy cobot and mechatronics: KUKA at Hannover Messe 2018

KUKA is showcasing intelligent automation concepts for production at Hannover Messe under the motto industrial intelligence 4.0 — beyond automation. Visitors to Booth G04 in Hall 17 can see KUKA technologies to support mechatronics and IIoT digitization.

Ease of use, quick commissioning, and networking are increasingly shaping the mechanical engineering sector. KUKA is addressing these requirements at Hannover Messe by presenting a developed Smart Factory — combining mechatronic components and digital solutions. KUKA also sells robots to support the intelligent-automation concept. Its new LBR iisy (pronounced easy and premiering at the Hannover Messe) is a sensitive robot that allows human-robot collaboration without safety fencing.

Smart factory for robotics in networked production

KUKA end users increasingly need user-friendly robots and cobots for production and quality assurance. Here, autonomous mobile robots can supply production robots with components to ensure continuous operation. In addition, modular software for warehouse management optimizes use of mobile assistants with communications. KUKA is demonstrating one such software offering in Hannover — its own Connect software — that integrates mechatronic components and application-specific digital platforms. With KUKA Connect, end users can also access machine information and production statistics.

Collaborative IIoT robot called LBR iisy adapts to processes

KUKA was the first robot manufacturer to offer sensitive lightweight robots to production facilities. Now the prototype LBR iisy on display in Hannover extends its portfolio of human-robot-collaboration (HRC) to include a low payload range. That will make KUKA the first manufacturer to cover all robotics applications — from cobots and small mobile robotics (with intuitive operation) to heavy-duty industrial robots. The LBR iisy robot quickly adapts to new requirements and is suitable for an array of applications. It also lends itself to use by plant operators who have process knowledge but not robot-programming skills.

Kuka also showing robotics meant for consumer applications

KUKA consumer-robotics technologies are also on display in Hannover — complete with an “i-do” mobile and modular robot platform that developers can adapt to use requirements.

IIoT and augmented reality with KUKA subsidiary connyun

With its I4_suite software, connyun aims to support Integrated Intelligence Industrial IoT by letting production operators get new modes of access to machine and station information. A Device Insight service will enable augmented reality using smart glasses and tablets … to connect technicians onsite with remote specialists.

About The Author

Lisa Eitel

Lisa Eitel has a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and 17 years of experience as a technical writer. Her areas of focus include motors, drives, motion control, power transmission, robotics, linear motion, and sensing and feedback technologies.